The purpose of UWA’s Alcohol and Drug Education Program (ADEP) is to provide our faculty, staff, and students access to information to promote healthy changes in drinking and drug use behavior. 

Content  

The program consists of six weekly sessions. Participants are required to attend each session, do homework as assigned and keep a weekly journal. Sessions are provided in either group or individual settings. 

Week 1: Assessment of Substance Abuse Behavior 

A combination of inventories is used to determine the frequency of use and level of intoxication. The first homework assignment is to write a story of your first experience with alcohol or drugs. 

Week 2: Alcohol Facts and Figures 

Myths concerning the consumption of alcohol are discussed as well as other information regarding the incidence of alcohol-related issues, such as health concerns, academic and career problems and legal concerns. Participants are required to take a quiz on the information provided. 

Week 3:  The Brain and Substance Use Lecture 

A lecture is provided to participants regarding how the brain is affected by alcohol and/or drugs. Participants are required to read designated articles regarding the physical effects and chemical reactions of alcohol or drugs on the body and write a critique of their findings. 

Week 4: Legal Issues 

A presentation regarding university policy about possession of alcohol, state-mandated recourse for driving offenses, public drunkenness and underage drinking are discussed. Participants are required to research laws and court rulings regarding alcohol offenses in their state. 

Week 5: Effects of Alcohol on Academic and Athletic Performance 

Information is provided regarding the effects of substance use and abuse in athletes and students. Participants are required to write or discuss their experience with the overuse of a substance and how memory, concentration and overall well-being were impacted. 

Week 6: Peer Pressure and Sustaining Sobriety 

Creating a social network of peers who avoid drinking and using other drugs is discussed. Participants are given several scenarios and asked to discuss how to avoid the influence of peer pressure with regard to substance use. 

The following sites also offer helpful information about available resources for assistance and treatment of substance use disorders: 

Drug and Alcohol Abuse Prevention Program

The University of West Alabama acknowledges that substance abuse is a major issue touching all aspects of our society as well as university life. The University views the abuse of alcohol and other drugs as harmful to the University community as well as the lives of our faculty, staff, and students. Conscientious behavior and accountability is expected from everyone on campus. The University will address this continuing concern through a campus-wide commitment to appropriate education, prevention, and counseling services. The University recognizes, through this policy and the programs developed to prevent illicit use of drugs and abuse of alcohol, its goal and commitments to a drug-free academic and employment environment, in accordance with the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendment of 1989 and the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. 

Drug Abuse Policies 

Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act 2014 Biennial Review  

Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act 2016 Biennial Review  

Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act 2018 Biennial Review 

Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act 2020 Biennial Review